OT Best bars in Chicago
Hey all,
I know this subject has been discussed ad-nauseum, but my friend from college is coming into town this weekend for 1 night of hanging out and watching football. Problem is, we went to college in Ohio so he's a Buckeyes fan, whereas I am convinced Columbus is the epicenter of evil in the world.
So...what bar or pub can we go to in Chicago that will not alienate either of us? Are there any places that are good to watch a game but aren't partisan?
October 8th, 2009 at 11:23 PM ^
Bull and Bear downtown. They are showing the OSU game and then the Michigan/Iowa &Bama/LSU game (not sure which one will be on sound)
October 8th, 2009 at 11:24 PM ^
It's an MSU bar so they will hate both of you.
October 9th, 2009 at 9:09 AM ^
same location, but now named hightops as the wrigleyville bar moved here when it soldout its location to the new harry careys.
October 9th, 2009 at 12:07 AM ^
The Man Hole. But they may not be watching football.
October 9th, 2009 at 9:19 AM ^
Good call!
October 9th, 2009 at 12:14 AM ^
Billy Goat Tavern, it has the most unique bar atmosphere I have ever been in. Though it might not have the friendliest employees, don't order fries. LOL
October 9th, 2009 at 10:42 AM ^
I don't know about watching the game there, but Irish Eyes is one of my favorite bars to drink in.
October 9th, 2009 at 12:27 AM ^
Sadly for the Maize and Blue faithful, McGees is THE place for tOSU fans in Chicago. Scarlet and Gray flags outside, banners inside etc. Right across the street is Kelly's(okay), and across the street and next door is State(awesome for football, tons of screens, and great burgers).
All located on the 900 block of Webster, near Sheffield on DePaul's campus.
October 9th, 2009 at 10:28 AM ^
It is one of many tOSU bars here. Ie. Casey Moran's in Wrigleyville.
October 9th, 2009 at 12:27 AM ^
just go up by wrigley on clark street. there are dozens of bars on that strip. sure to find one to your liking.
October 9th, 2009 at 12:43 AM ^
Best tiny sports bar in Lincoln Park.
BYOFood too. Order a pizza or grab some wings from next door.
October 9th, 2009 at 12:46 AM ^
dang - thought this was going to be about good bars in Chicago.
You won't be able to watch football, but after the game check out Map Room in Bucktown or Hopleaf in Andersonville for the best international beers on tap.
October 9th, 2009 at 3:58 AM ^
Ha, you named the two I was going to mention. I'm lucky to live across the street from Hopleaf =)
October 9th, 2009 at 8:25 AM ^
I originally made a post on the hop leaf as well then deleted it since I didn't want to make the first reply kind of off topic. I lived on Foster right at Lakeshore. I visited the Hop Leaf at least once a week. Nothing like a good Belgian import and a plate of braised boar cheeks.
October 9th, 2009 at 12:59 AM ^
...just a chill place to watch the game, Millers on Adam and Wabash right in the loop is a place I frequent.
October 9th, 2009 at 8:18 AM ^
Not the best bar, but you could go to ESPN zone. If you go make sure to check out their football arcade game thing, it is a ton of fun
October 9th, 2009 at 8:26 AM ^
Lottie's, in Bucktown, at Cortland and Wabansia. Tends to have loyalties towards Huskers and Badgers, but I've vigorously cheered our Wolverines in there and never been alienated. I have to believe a Buckeye can get a pass as well.
Or the Northside on Damen. Has enough nice TV's and won't be partisan. Probably my favorite place in town outside of strictly watching sports.
October 9th, 2009 at 9:22 AM ^
rooting for the Lions and in a bar full of bears fans, never once did I get heckled. Good place right by my friends apartment so we are there often.
October 9th, 2009 at 9:27 AM ^
Cheapest drinks in town, free popcorn, darts, pool, and also a old school Nintendo hooked up to a 42' LCD so you can play Techmo Bowl during halftime. Don't think they have an allegiance to any particular school.
500 W Diversey Pkwy
Chicago, IL 60614-1610
October 9th, 2009 at 10:08 AM ^
on Division and Damen, and walk east few yards. Many good bars with lots of TVs and the establishments are nice. The names escape me, as I usually have too much fun there.
October 9th, 2009 at 10:35 AM ^
As a Chicago resident let me try to help the situation. There's at least 100 good places to go here. To help you narrow the search down you should figure out what neighborhood/area of the city you want to be in.
If you don't figure out where you wanna be you will get pulled in every direction and be even more confused on where to go as EVERY neighborhood has at least a few good spots!